Background:
Skin cancers are the most common cancers in Caucasians, and their incidence is rising. Although metabolic and anthropometric markers play a role in the development of cancer, the relationship of metabolic and anthropometric changes with skin cancer remains unclear. This study aimed to examine possible associations between these changes and the risk of skin cancer.
Methods:
Participants without prior skin cancer history from the Northern Netherlands representative of the general population were included. Histopathology data were obtained from the Dutch Nationwide Pathology Database (Palga). Adjusted Cox-regression analyzed associations between metabolic changes and time to pathology-confirmed skin cancer incidence over a 7-year follow-up, assessing overall skin cancer risk and subtypes, including melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer.
Results:
Out of 97,106 participants, 4,195 (4.3%) developed skin cancer. Body-mass-index (BMI) decrease and increase were both associated with lower skin cancer risk: adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) of 0.88 (0.80-0.98) and 0.78 (0.72-0.86), respectively. Triglyceride and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) decreases were also associated with lower risk: aHR: 0.89 (0.80-0.98) and 0.89(0.83-0.98), respectively. Increase in HbA1c was associated with higher risk in individuals under 45 years: aHR: 1.21 (1.01-1.45). Subtype analysis showed increase in BMI was associated with a lower melanoma risk: aHR: 0.723(0.576-0.907).
Conclusion:
Changes in BMI and a decrease in triglycerides and WHR are related to a lower skin cancer risk, whereas increase in HbA1c may raise risk in individuals younger than 45. These findings highlight the importance of non-sunlight-related risk factors for skin cancer prevention and the need for further research into underlying mechanisms.
Key Words: Skin Neoplasms, Biomarkers, Obesity, Cholesterol, Blood Glucose, Melanoma